About This Book
Celia Laws is a rarity in the London slums. Educated by her mother, she's resourceful and has become a skilled pickpocket, despite her mother's wish that she remain honest.
Celia is befriended by Thomas Hambert, a noted poet, philosopher and reformer. Thomas mentors the young girl and uncovers a thirst for writing inside her.
On the death of her mother Celia becomes the hunted. Her innocence attracts a young lawyer, Charles Curtis. He offers Celia a fortune to spend a week with him. She refuses, but persuades Charles to lend her the money, promising falsely that she'll save herself for him.
Celia flees to the country on foot, taking her young stepsister with her, and intending to throw herself on the uncertain charity of relatives. To her surprise, her surviving aunt welcomes them.
Celia hasn't spent any of the money she borrowed from the lawyer, and is wracked by guilt over it. She adapts to a different life with her aunt, abandoning the rough and tumble of her past. Through Thomas's introductions she's welcomed into society, where she becomes popular as a storyteller.
There, she's reacquainted with Charles Curtis.
Charles doesn't recognize Celia as the young girl he tried to purchase a few years previously and they fall in love. But Celia is haunted by her past, and the way she took advantage of his kindness. When she's abducted and Charles risks his life to find her, the matter is resolved.
